I would have thought that all three pictures that cycle for the PA14 would show ones with the Vantage seating since it's mentioned in the features list. It's just the first picture that shows the Vantage seat. The 2nd and 3rd pictures show the current 2012 seating. While it's good to show the current model and the upcoming one, I would think it might be confusing to some consumers.

I would have thought that all three pictures that cycle for the PA14 would show ones with the Vantage seating since it's mentioned in the features list. It's just the first picture that shows the Vantage seat. The 2nd and 3rd pictures show the current 2012 seating. While it's good to show the current model and the upcoming one, I would think it might be confusing to some consumers.

You can click on the Photos tab above the picture and the first three images are of the new model while the others are old. Confusion definitely seems possible.

The consumer is in control of the pricing. If Hobie can't sell them at that price, then the price will fall. If they are able to sell them, in sufficient quantity to satisfy what they need to do, the price will stand, or even increase the following year.

Don't get me wrong - it seems like a ton of money for a plastic boat, but Hobie can't charge more than the market will bear.

A pricing move that will encourage folks to purchase the 2012's so that they can clear their inventory before the new models come out. If they kept the new models at the same price as the old model, people are going to hold off buying the older model.

A pricing move that will encourage folks to purchase the 2012's so that they can clear their inventory before the new models come out. If they kept the new models at the same price as the old model, people are going to hold off buying the older model.

That is the strangest marketing scheme I ever heard of.

Older models are depreciated and offered at a lower price is the norm.Sometimes new models are put at full MSRP or starting street price and they depreciate in value to a better street price after the market rush.

ANDnone of you posted explains the huge hike in the PA12 price.

Facts are fact. They are charging more mostly because they feel they can or there has been a dramatic increase in manufacturing costs.

In my area, I have never seen Hobies discounted off the MRSP regardless of the year and model. Maybe a demo discounted. Of course that is our local Hobie dealer. It may be different in other parts of the country.

When they saw the PA 12's selling like hot cakes, they probably saw an opportunity to get more $$$ due to the demand.

I sure hope hobie reads my post;I got into a pro angler only after many months of rationalizing the cost and comparing to the competition. And by competition I'm talking all types of fishing boats, not just a kayak. It came very close between a used power fishing boat and the PA14. If I were just now coming into this market to buy a boat as I was 6 months ago, I wouldn't be getting the Hobie. Not at their 'new' price.

Sorry Hobie, I think you are a little too fond of your own boat and I think that new buyers into the market are going to not even bother to compare at that price. You may be able to get current Hobie owners to pony up, but people just getting into the sport as I was? I don't think so.

The PA12 was introduced as introductory pricing, as we (the dealer base) figured it would jump for 2013, pretty standard for mid season releases on any product.

I'm guessing here: but the $ difference is in the seat, that is one bad boy and you gotta pay for top USA manufactured quality. We all wish the cost was lower, I mean who doesn't. These boats are big and it cost a lot to ship them, they take up more room in the warehouse and on the semi's

I agree though, Hobie is getting into the dangerous area where the PA12 is starting to creep into the bottom end range of a used john boat. The PA12 must've been selling like hotcakes if they have to hike up the price that much to control demand.

They will never charge more than the customer is willing to pay. They can't.

I agree, this is a true statement. The question becomes -- who is the desired Hobie customer? At some level the price point will crossover from being an affordable and accessible option for many that are not in the market for other fishing boat options, to more of a special luxury item primarily for a higher income market. It would be a shame to price the PA out of reach of the former market. We'll see what happens.

_________________Anonymous - "The gods do not subtract from the alloted span of men's lives the hours spent fishing."